Weatherstrip and sash balance



United States Patent fOfiTice 2,912,726 Patented Nov. 17, 1959 2,912,726 I WEATHERSTRIP AND SASH BALANCE John A. Goellner, St. Louis County, Mo., assignor to Monarch Metal Weatherstrip'Corporation, St. Louis, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Application January 10, 1958, Serial No. 708,139 4 Claims. (Cl. 2052) This invention relates generally to weather-stripping, and more particularly to resilient Weatherstrip means for slideably positioning sash members in a casing and to means for balancing the sash members therein.

Weatherstrip and sash balance means have been devised in the past. The known means, however, have been difiicult to install and to adjust and have required a partial disassemblage of the window structure when making adjustments. Furthermore, the known structures have not been versatile enough to be used on removable and non-removable types of window constructions. These and other disadvantages of the known means are overcome by the present invention.

An object of the present invention is to provide a weather-tight sliding connection between a casing and a window sash member mounted therein.

Another object is to provide means versatile enough to balance sash members of different weights and size when installed or removed from their casing.

Another object is to provide resilient Weatherstrip means for double hung windows and the like which laterally cushions the sash members to prevent rattling and binding and which also accommodates expansion and contraction of the casing and sash members.

Another object of this invention is to provide an inexpensive weatherstrip and sash balance construction for windows and the like which is easy to install, easy to adjust and requires a minimum of maintenance.

Another object is to provide yieldable means for balancing window sash in casing members which can be anchored out of the way to facilitate removal and installation of the sash.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the number and kinds of stock parts required for balancing different sizes and weights of window sash.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after considering the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The present Weatherstrip and sash balance is employed on window constructions in which the sash members are slideably positioned in tracks formed in resilient weatherstrip web members mounted on opposed casing jambs.

The sash members upon being positioned in the web tracks urge the webs outwardly to form airtight seals therewith and yieldable sash balancing springs having their upper ends anchored to the webs extend downwardly in cover members which are mounted on the webs. The cover members track in grooves formed in the edges of the sash and the lower ends of the balancing springs are adjustably anchored to the sash members by elongated adjustment members which extend longitudinally up into the springs. The adjustment members, which are an important feature of the invention, have spaced tongues positioned therealong and any one of the tongues may be selected to engage the springs for balancing the sash members.

An additional feature of the present device consists in providing means for anchoring the lower ends as well as the upper ends of the balancing springs to the webs to get the springs out of the way and thereby facilitate installation and removal of the sash members in the casing.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a doublehung window construction incorporating the teachings of the invention,

Fig. 2 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary elevational view from the inside of the window of Fig. 1, portions being sectioned to illustrate the arrangement of the Weatherstripping and the connection of the balance means to the sash;

Fig. 3 is a greatly enlarged and fragmentary sectional view of the window frame and Weatherstrip assembly with the sash being removed to reveal details seen along line 33 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged and fragmentary sectional plan view of the sash assembly seen atline 4-4 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged and fragmentary sectional view of the web and spring cover as seen at line 5-5 Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged elevational view of a spring balance adjusting device employed on the window shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 77 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged and fragmentary sectional plan view in the same plane as Fig. 3 showing a modified form of the spring balance adjusting device;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional view as seen along line 9-9' in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is another enlarged and fragmentary sectional plan view in the same plan as Fig. 3 showing another modified form of the spring balance adjusting device;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional view as seen along line 1111 in Fig. 10 showing the spring balance adjusting device in locked condition;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged sectional view similar to Fig. 11 but showing the spring balance adjusting device in normal operating condition; and

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of the web and spring covers.

Referring to the drawings by reference numbers, number 20 (Figs. 1 and 2) refers to a double-hung window unit having an upper sash 22, a lower sash 24, opposed jambs 26 each having a web 32 formed of resilient material such as aluminum mounted therein. Each web 32 has an inner track 28 for slidably receiving the lower sash 24 and an outer track 30 for slideably receiving the upper sash 22. The sash tracks 28 and 30 are formed in the Weatherstrip webs 32, and the webs 32 are positioned in suitable channels 34 (Fig. 4) in the jambs 26. The webs 32 are also formed with longitudinal vertical beads 36 which separate the tracks 28 and 30 and with flanged edge portions 38 and 40 which sealably cooperate with the sides of the channels 34 andwith the sash 22 and 24, and the webs 32 are formed to have bowed sectional contours (Fig. 13) against which the sash 22 and 24 press and make resilient weather-tight seals.

The upper portion of the web tracks 28 and 30 are provided with vertically spaced pairs of notches 42 (two pairs being shown in each track in Fig. 3) and elongated covers 44 with marginal flanges 46 and marginal tabs 48 are mounted in the sash tracks 28 and 30 with the flanges 46 engaging the surfaces of the tracks and the tabs 48 extending through the notches 42 behind raised web portions 49 of the webs 32 formed adjacent thereto (Fig. 13). Covers 44 are of U shaped section and like the webs 32 are preferably formed of resilient material, such asaluminumr The side walls of the covers 44 are angularly related when formed and must be sprung inwardly to enable the tabs 48 to be inserted into the notches 42. The walls of the covers 44 are then released and the tabs 48 and the notches 42 hold the covers 44 on the webs 32. The covers 44 form longitudinal passages with the webs 32 and counterbalance springs 50 and 52 are mounted to track therein. The edges of the sash members 22 and 24 are grooved at 53 to receive the covers 44.

The upper and lower ends of the counterbalance springs 50 and 52 are formed with endwise extending loop portions 54 and 56 respectively (Figs. 2, 3 and The upper loop portions 54 are anchored to the Weatherstrip Web 32 in slots 58 which are formed behind the covers 44 near the top, and the springs 50 and 52 extend downwardly therefrom and the lower ends receive elongated spring balance adjusting members, such as the member 60 shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

The adjusting member 60 is important to the present invention and one such member is provided for each spring 56 and 52. The member 60 consists of an elongated body portion 62 of a size to be extended longitudinally up into the lower ends of the springs 50 and 52, and each member 60 has a flanged-member 64 which is mounted near the lower end thereof. Each of the members 64 (Pig. 6) has a central section 66 with an opening 68 therethrough that receive the member 62, and opposed downwardly offset flanges 72 (Figs. 6 and 7) which engage the bottom surface of the sash member 22 (or 24) adjacent the associated groove 53 (Fig. 3).

The body portion 62 of the member 61) has a plurality of spaced tongues 74 struck therein. The tongues 74 are used for selectively and adjustably anchoring the lower end loops 56 of the springs 50 and 52 to the sash. Another tongue 76 is struck in the portion 62 near the bottom, and the flanged member 64 is mounted between the lowest tongue 74 and the tongue 76 and is thereby prevented from coming loose.

The sashes 22 and 24 are installed in the casing between the opposed sash tracks 30 and 23, respectively, and bear against and resiliently urge the webs 32 outwardly to form weathertight seals therewith. The resilience of the webs 32, which are formed having bowed sectional contours (Fig. 13), acts as a cushion for the sashes and eliminates noise and vibration and also applies friction restraining pressure against the edges of the sashes to retain the sashes in any selected position. Be fore the friction pressure can retain the sashes in position however, and yet permit them to be easily raised and lowered, it is, of course, necessary that the sashes be in proper balance. The balancing is accomplished, as already stated, by engaging the lower end loops 56 of the counterbalance springs 50 and 52 on the proper tongues 74. When so engaged springs 50 and 52 constantly apply upward pressure on the sashes to offset or balance the weight of the sashes.

It is important to the operation of the sashes that the balancing force of the springs be adjusted to minimize the effort required for raising and lowering the windows, and yet be insufficient to entirely overcome the frictional force between the sashes and the webs so that the sashes will remain in any desired position after once being moved. Furthermore, from the standpoint of inventory it is desirable to minimize the number of parts that have to be stocked for balancing window sashes of different sizes and weights. Still further, it is desirable to be able to make necessary adjustments of the balancing force with or without the sashes installed. All of these and other desirable characteristics of a weatherstrip and sash balance are present in the instant device.

The tension on the springs 50 and 52 can be simply and quickly adjusted, with the window installed, by pulling the members 69 downwardly below the lower edge the sashes (when the sashes are in raised positions) and re- 4- locating the loops 56 by engaging them on any of the tongues 74 until the balancing force is in proper adjustment. Proper adjustment is readily determined by simply raising and lowering the sashes or it can be determined by using a suitable tension gage (not shown). Naturally, for larger heavier sashes greater balancing force is re quired than for small light sashes, and for the heavier sashes the loops 56 are moved downwardly to a lower tongue 74 to increase the spring tension. It is usually necessary also to use longer springs for the inner lower sashes 24 (springs 52) than for the upper outer sashes (springs Stl) because the sashes 24 are closed in the down position and normally move over a range further from the upper end of the springs.

In Figs. 8 and 9 is shown a modified form of the spring adjustment means 60a which is designed to be used primarily with removable type window sashes. The operation of the modified device 60a, in so far as adjusting the spring tension is concerned, is similar to the operation of the member MP. The difference between the modified device filla and the device 60 is that the modified device is provided with means for temporarily anchoring the bottom end as well as the top end of the springs 50 and 52 to the webs 32 so that the springs will to tied down and out of the way when the sashes are installed and removed.

The modified device fitla is provided with a hook 80 formed at the bottom end of the elongated portion 62a, and a notch 82 is formed in the web 32a. The upper edge of the notch 82 is preferably offset slightly rom the lower edge, and the hook Sll is engaged in the notch 82 to anchor the member 6% to the web 32a. The hook 80 is normally spaced from the web 32a and from the notch 82 by the position of the opening 68a in the flanged member 64a, and in order to engage the hook 86 in the notch 82 it is necessary to apply pressure against the hook 80 when adjacent to the notch 82. By spacing the hook 89 from the notch 82 during normal operation, the hook 80 is prevented from accidentally catching in the notch 82. Similar hook arrangements are provided in the inner and outer tracks 28:: and 30a for anchoring the springs 50 and 52. The notches 82 formed in the outer tracks 30a, however, may be located higher up so that the springs 50 do not have to be unduly stretched when anchored.

Another modified form of the adjustment means 60b is shown in Figs. 10, l1 and 12. The adjustment means 66b operates in a manner similar to the means 60a but is provided with a somewhat dilferent form of hook 80b and flanged member 64b. The member 64b has a tapering channel shaped body 86 with side walls 88 that are flanged outwardly at 89. A roller 90 is rotatably mounted between the side walls 88 and during movement of the sash, engages the associated web track to facilitate easy movement thereof and to prevent the hook Sub from accidentally engaging the notch 82b. The hook 80b and the flanged member 64b are fastened by suitable means, such as by a rivet 92, to the lower end of the elongated portion 6222 as shown in Figs. 10, l1 and 12.

The notch 82b is formed in the web 32b in position to receive the hook 80b and the hook 86-17 is engaged in the notch 82b by applying lateral pressure thereon when the lower edge of the sash is below the notch 82b. When pressure is thusly applied and the sash raised the hook 80b will engage the notch 82b and be anchored therein. All of the springs can be anchored in the same way to facilitate installation and removal of the sashes.

To further reduce noise and vibration during operation of the window it has also been found desirable to galvanize the springs 50 and 52, dip them in an adhesive, and finally coat them, as by spraying, with a flocking material such as rayon or the like. This not only makes the operation of the springs noiseless but also eliminates noise caused by the springs vibrating against the covers 44 and webs 32.

Thus it is apparent that there has been provided a novel Weatherstrip and sash balance which provides a weathertight seal between the jamb and sash members, which simplifies installation and reduces adjustment time, which makes removal of the sash and spring covers unnecessary when balancing the sashes, which greatly simplifiesinventory by substantially reducing the number of stock parts necessary for adjusting a plurality of window sizes and weights, which can be constructed of durable materials which resist corrosion, discoloration, wear and friction, which is noiseless of operation, and which fulfills all of the other objects and advantages sought therefor.

While it is only practicable to show and describe several preferred embodiments of the invention in this specification it is apparent that other modified forms, changes and alterations could be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It is the intention that all such modified forms, changes, and alterations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention, are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What I claim is:

l. A Weatherstrip and sash balance for window units having sliding sashes positioned in a casing comprising opposed jambs, resilient elongated webs mounted on each of said opposed jambs; sash members having grooves formed in the edges thereof slidably mounted in said opposed webs; an elongated spring member positioned to track in one of said sash grooves and having an upper end engaged with the associated web; and adjustable means anchoring the lower end of said spring to the sash, said means including an elongated member adapted to be extended upwardly into said spring, a plurality of spaced tongues struck in said elongated member any one of which may be selected to engage the lower end of said spring when balancing the sash member in the casing, an outwardly extending hook formed on said elongated member, and a notch formed in the web track and adapted to be engaged by said hook for alternatively anchoring the lower end of the spring member to the web.

2. A Weatherstrip and sash balance for window constructions having casings with opposing jambs and sash members slidably positioned therein comprising web members formed of resilient sheet material mounted on the jambs, said webs having bowed sectional contours formed with parallel sash receiving tracks separated by divider beads, sash members slidably positioned in opposed web tracks resiliently urging said webs outwardly to form airtight seals therewith and to exert frictional restraining force on said sash members, said sash members having grooves formed in the lateral edges thereof, longitudinal covers mounted on the webs and extending into said sash grooves, sash balancing springs attached at the upper ends thereof to the webs behind said covers and extending downwardly therefrom to track in said covers, said spring members being coated with fibrous material to eliminate noise and vibration caused by striking the covers and webs, spring adjustment means including elongated members having spaced means formed therein for selectively engaging the spring members to adjust the tension thereof and to counterbalance different preselected weights of sash. members, means carried by said elongated members for anchoring said members to the sash, and means ineluding a hook formed at the lower end of each of said elongated members, and slots formed in the webs for engagement with said hooks for anchoring the lower ends of said spring members to the web, and a roller mounted on each of said elongated members adjacent to said hooks to space said hooks from the web slots and prevent accidental engagement therebetween.

3. A Weatherstrip and sash balance for window construction having casings with opposed jambs and sash members slidably positioned therein comprising web members formed of resilient sheet material mounted on the jambs, said webs having bowed sectional contours formed with parallel sash receiving tracks separated by divider heads, a sash member slidably positioned in opposed web tracks resiliently urging said webs outwardly to form airtight seals therewith and to exert frictional restraining force on said sash member, said sash member having a groove formed in the lateral edge thereof, a longitudinal cover mounted on the associated web and extending into said sash groove, a sash balancing spring attached at the upper end thereof to the associated web behind said cover and extending downwardly therefrom to' track in said cover, said spring member being coated with fibrous material to eliminate noise and vibration caused by striking the cover and web, spring adjustment means including an elongated member having spaced means formed therein for selectively engaging the spring member to adjust the tension thereof and to counterbalance different preselected weights of sash members, means carried by said elongated member for anchoring said member to the sash, a hook formed at the lower end of said elongated memher, and a hook engaging slot formed in the web associated with said elongated member, said hook being engageable in said slot for anchoring the lower end of said spring member to the web.

4. A counterbalance for sash having a grooved vertical edge comprising a coil spring having a tubular inner surface and an endwardly extending loop formed on the lower end thereof, a sash hanger member telescopingly disposed within said lower end of said spring, said hanger member having a plane surface defined between uninterrupted spaced marginal edges and longitudinally spaced outwardly extending tongue elements formed integral therewith between the marginal edges with which the end loop of said spring is selectively engaged so that the loop engages said tongue elements in the plane of said hanger member, said tongue elements extending outwardly from the hanger member a distance less than the distance between the marginal edges thereof whereby the marginal edges and the projecting tongues provide three points for contact with the tubular inner surface of the coil spring, said hanger member having a sash engaging member mounted thereon to releaseably engage the lower edge of the sash, and a spring housing received within the groove of the sash.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,586,353 Colegrove May 25, 1926 2,722,723 Mears, Jr. Nov. 8, 1955 2,742,666 ,Blair Apr. 24, 1956 2,786,230 Hettinger Mar. 26, 1957 2,885,725 Glass, Jr. May 12, 1959 

